Manchester United stance on Michael Edwards appointment and John Murtough role

Manchester United are unlikely to make a move for former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards as they continue to fine-tune their football operation.

Edwards has been linked with United and Chelsea since his exit from Anfield this summer and the 43-year-old's stock is high after his success in recruitment at Liverpool.

The former Football League defender was the architect of the squad Jurgen Klopp has taken to success at Liverpool, but his departure at the end of last season has put other clubs on alert.

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Edwards had planned to take a sabbatical after leaving Liverpool but Chelsea are keen to appoint him as their sporting director after Todd Boehly's takeover at Stamford Bridge.

United have also been linked with a move for the in-demand Edwards, but the Manchester Evening News understands the club aren't currently looking to add to their football department and that Edwards is more likely to end up at Chelsea.

Edwards is the latest high-profile name to be linked with a similar role at Old Trafford, with Paul Mitchell and Dan Ashworth also touted for positions, and there is a sense of frustration in some quarters given it has been made clear that John Murtough is now in charge of football operations.

Murtough was appointed football director in March 2021 but his role has been broadened since Richard Arnold was appointed as chief executive in February of this year. Murtough is leading United's recruitment plans this summer, working closely with Erik ten Hag, and his responsibilities have narrowed to the first team after Andy O'Boyle was appointed as his deputy football director last month.

A United source said Murtough is "running the